PEATLANDS

Landscapes that matter

The Center for International Forestry Research has led global research on peatlands for more than 20 years. As the world acts on climate change, understanding the diverse values of peatlands is more important than ever. Explore this site to learn more about CIFOR’s ongoing research into these critical landscapes.

Peatlands are a source of life for plants, animals and people. They provide food, clean water
and other benefits to nearby communities, and are an essential resource for livelihoods.
They are also home to many of the world’s threatened species, such as orangutans,
rhinoceroses and leopards.

Peatlands play a critical role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Draining,
clearing and burning of peatlands for agriculture and other purposes is a massive source of
greenhouse gas emissions globally. Meanwhile, the carbon storage potential of undisturbed
peatlands is widely underappreciated.

Research is needed to better map and quantify the world’s peatlands, and understand their
diverse values across landscapes, including for local communities. This will support more
effective efforts toward conservation and restoration of peatlands, and global action on
climate change.

ABOUT PEATLANDS

What are peatlands?

Peatlands are formed when an abundance of water slows the rate of
decay of vegetation, leaving behind a layer of rich, organic
matter known as peat. This makes them highly efficient carbon
sinks – despite covering only 3-5% of the earth’s surface,
peatlands are estimated to hold more than 30% of the world’s
soil carbon stocks.

Peatlands are found all over the world, from permafrost regions
to tropical rainforests and coastal areas. Yet they remain some
of the least understood and monitored ecosystems in the
world.

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) with the support from the Government of Indonesia and participation of private sector is organizing a one-day event to provide platform for exchanges of information between stakeholders concerned on the sustainability of tropical peatlands in Indonesia.

A special edition of the Global Landscapes Forum, with a focus on peatlands, was hosted on 18 May 2017 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event brought together a range of stakeholders involved in the use and management of peatlands, from government officials to private sector representatives, community members, researchers and civil society.

The multiple dimensions of peatlands protection and restoration are part of the areas of research of CIFOR and FOERDIA. Both institutions have collaborated since 1997 and will continue to work together to connect research with policymaking and implementation in a way that triggers action.

CIFOR will join various sessions at the Bonn Climate Change Conference, bringing the latest scientific research and insights on the climate dimensions of land use, forestry, the urban environment, peatlands and other emissions hotspots in the tropics.